Express toll lane meeting Tuesday

A summer-long feasibility study of express toll lanes on Interstate 405 and Highway 167 is set to kick off with a meeting in Kirkland Tuesday afternoon.

The express lanes would charge tolls that varied based on demand, with no charge for transit and carpools. The state already has a pilot project that allows people driving alone to pay a varying charge to access the carpool lane on Highway 167.

Earlier this year, the state Legislature directed the state DOT to host a series of work sessions on the feasibility of including express toll lanes in improvements to I-405 and Highway 167.

An executive advisory group, including elected officials and state Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond, is set to meet at least four times through October. The DOT also plans to host several public meetings and events throughout the area for a study report scheduled to go to Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Legislature in January.

Tuesday’s meeting agenda includes background on planned work on I-405 and Highway 167, an overview of national tolling projects and information on the plan for the Eastside Corridor Tolling Study. It is scheduled to run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Peter Kirk Room of Kirkland city Hall, 123 Fifth Ave.